§ Harry CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2003,Official Report, column 178W, on data access powers, how many applications for access to communications data there have been by (a) the Inland Revenue and (b) Customs and Excise, broken down by each piece of legislation (i) in the last year and (ii) since the enactment of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [101022]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 has not yet come into force in relation to access to communications data by the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise.
In relation to the Data Protection Act 1998, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 17 October 2002, Official Report, column 938W.
The Inland Revenue do not maintain specific records of access to communications data being sought under other legislation. In the year from 1 April 2002, the number of applications for access to communications data by HM Customs and Excise under other legislation is as follows:
Legislation Number of applications VAT Act 1994, s.11 18 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.1 12 Drugs Trafficking Act 1994, s.55 33 Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, s.118D 22 Criminal Justice Act 1988, s.93H 1